The 2026 Méliscènes Festival returns to the town of Auray and surrounding communities in Brittany from 7–21 March 2026. Now in its 25th edition, the festival is dedicated to puppetry and object theatre, presenting a wide range of contemporary performances for children, families, and adult audiences. (Ville Auray)

Organised by the Centre Culturel Athéna, the festival brings together around 32 shows and 90 performances by companies from France and beyond, staged across 24 communes in the Pays d’Auray, including coastal towns and the islands of Houat and Hoëdic. (Ville Auray)

Alongside theatre performances, the programme also includes workshops, public events, and a participatory artistic project titled “Un Appétit de Géant”, featuring giant puppets and collaborative creations with residents. (Ville Auray)

Below is a selection of performances from this year’s programme.

More info and Book

Opening Weekend

The festival begins with several performances on Sunday 8 March:

• Foreign Land – Cie Juste Après
  Athéna, Auray – 3:00 pm

• CASES – CréatureS Company
  Carnac – 5:00 pm
  (Also at Athéna on 11 March)

• The Bear – INDEX Company
  Landaul – 5:00 pm
  (Later performances in Brec’h and Athéna)

  
  

  More info and Book

Touring Performances Around the Coast

Several productions travel between towns across the region.

Teatro Golondrino presents two works:

• The Adventures of Jojo Golendrini
  Hoëdic – 9 March, 11:00 am
  Houat – 9 March, 6:30 pm

• The Escapee
  Quiberon – 11 March, 5:00 pm

Other touring productions include A Broom! by La Bobêche in Locmariaquer and La Trinité-sur-Mer.

Highlights at Athéna Theatre

The Centre Culturel Athéna in Auray hosts many of the festival’s central performances, including:

• Imagine the Rain – Tro-heol Company
  10 March, 8:30 pm

• My New Shoes – Tian Gombau
  11 March, 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm

• Hector, the Extraordinarily Strong Man – La Bobêche
  14 March, 2:00 pm & 5:30 pm

• YSS – Collectif AÏE AÏE AÏE / Célia Hue
  14 March, 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm

• Uprooted – Collectif Les Becs Verseurs
  14 March, 7:00 pm & 15 March, 6:00 pm

Outdoor and Special Events

The programme also includes outdoor performances and participatory events.

The Sowing Ritual – A Giant’s Appetite by Compagnie Les Grandes Personnes invites audiences on a promenade through Auray with giant puppets, beginning from the Oasis at 3:30 pm on 14 March.

Other special events include:

• Evening of Small Forms – 13 March

• Radio Shows with Clémence de Clamard (RoiZIZO theatre) – 16–19 March

• The Happy Punchinello – roaming performances in Auray on 15–16 March

International Companies

The programme also features international artists, including the Kharkiv State Academic Puppet Theatre (Ukraine) presenting:

Mons the Giraffe
Athéna – 20 & 21 March, 7:00 pm

Final Weekend

The festival closes with several major performances:

• The Centerpiece – TAC TAC Company
  20–21 March

• Subjective Moon – Compagnie les Maladroits
  20 March

• Man’s Skin – Compagnie La Salamandre
  21 March

The closing event, “Under the Lightning: Stars and Glitter…”, takes place on 21 March from 6:30 pm, marking the festival finale.

Tickets for all performances are coordinated through the Centre Culturel Athéna in Auray, with booking available online or through the venue’s box office.

For the full programme and schedule, visit the festival website.

More Info and Book

9 & 10 May 2025

Caravan Theater: Paper Airplane
Whimsical object theatre, combining digital art and live music.
Plane Paper is a caravan production playing at the crossroad of digital art, music and object theatre. Step in and experience the cosy world of animation accompanied by live music.
More Book
Company website
20 mins |

Circus Epidermis
Humorous, absurd puppetry blending comedy and multimedia.
Ingrid Hansen does something extraordinary with means of visual theatre: using only her hands, props, camera and screen, a real-time puppet animation is created right before the viewers’ eyes. The production blends stand-up comedy with elements of puppet and object theatre, taking the audience to a spicy, entertaining journey that does not fail to offer some philosophical truths.
1 hour |
Company website
More info | Book

Caravan Theater: A Fly, a Cockroach, and a Spider
A playful look at power struggles in the animal world.
What if all the power in the world was to be shared between a fly, a cockroach and a spider, but they could not decide if they should live by the circumstances, the law or their conscience?
25 mins |
More info | Book

Terror
An intense and emotional puppetry performance.
30 mins |Warning: Graphic Content: Watch Trailer
More info and Book

Check out the full schedule and more performances on the Tallinn Treff official website.

IN APRIL, THE PUPPETS DO WHATEVER THEY WANT!
HIGHLIGHT initiated by the TAC - CNMa

Promoting puppetry across the Lorient metropolitan area is the ambition of the National Puppetry Centre with the highlight In April do what you please . The 2025 edition will keep its promises with once again, 4 partners on board with the Théâtre à la Coque - CNMa.

More info

Those curious and passionate about puppetry arts will be able to discover creations from major platforms with national and international acclaim, shows where the art of puppetry is renewed through contact with other disciplines... Family audiences will not be left out with a selection during the school holidays.

A time-lapse glimpse of the audacity of contemporary puppetry, whether it takes over the biggest stages or more intimate spaces.

This 2nd edition is also enriched by the regional puppet dynamic with another highlight to discover in the Rennes area, Panique en avril .

IN PERFORMANCES

My Tale of Fire - cycling between the falling bombs
The Worst Kind Company
Object Theater | From 8 years old | 1h15

A philosophical tale that recreates the improbable bicycle journey of Felix and his father through a Germany on the verge of collapse. Three actresses wield masks, shadows, and objects in an ingenious production.

→ Mon, March 31 | 8:30 p.m. | THEATRE À LA COQUE >> HENNEBONT

Organization: Coque Theater-CNMa

MORE INFO | BOOK

Richard III
The Burning Doll Company

Dance and puppets | From 12 years old | 1h30

Calculating, playful, ambitious and Machiavellian, Yoan Pencolé's Richard III will experience his rise and then his fall as the only actor in the middle of a court of life-sized puppets.

→ Tue, April 1st | 8 p.m. | BLAVET THEATRE >> INZINZAC-LOCHRIST

Organization: Théâtre à la Coque - CNMa | TRIO...S | Le Strapontin
More info | Book

Suzy
Xannax Warrior Princess Company
Theater and puppets | Ages 16 and up | 55 min

Suzy Storck leads an ordinary life with her husband and children until the weight of everyday life forces her to confront her past traumas. From object theater to puppetry, the figures that haunt her gradually come to life.

→ Fri, April 4 | 8:30 p.m. | THEATRE À LA COQUE >> HENNEBONT

Organization: Coque Theater-CNMa

More Info | Book

A character without a story
Drolatic Industry Company
Puppet Theater | Ages 9 and up | 50 min

In dialogue with his creator, this seemingly uneventful character shares his metaphysical reflections on his condition as a puppet. A comical and deliberately excessive dive into the process of creating a show.

→ Tue 15 and Wed 16 April | 2:30 p.m. | THEATRE AT LA COQUE >> HENNEBONT

Organization: Coque Theater - CNMa

Reservations

A dollhouse
Polar Plexus Company
Puppets and music | From 14 years old | 1h20

A Doll's House tells the story of a woman's shattered marriage and family life when she realizes her life has been hollow and full of illusions. An intimate and masterful adaptation of Henrik Hibsen's play of the same name.

→ Sat, April 19 | 8 p.m. | PLATFORM 9 >> LANESTER

Organization: Platform 9

More Info | Book

Easy
See you tomorrow my love company

Puppet Theater | Ages 12 and up | 1 hour

Jonathan, nearly thirty years old and full of anxiety, has taken refuge in a friend's apartment. Pierre Tual recounts with humor and lightness the transition to adulthood and the resulting "intimate catastrophe" in a coming-of-age tale for an actor and two puppets.

→ Fri, April 25 | 8:30 p.m. | THEATRE AT LA COQUE >> HENNEBONT

Organization: Coque Theater-CNMa

More Info | Book

In April, do what you please is a highlight.
Initiated by the Théâtre à la Coque - CNMa in collaboration with local partners.

Theater at the Coque, National Puppetry Center, 3 rue de la paix - 56700 HENNEBONT, 02 97 85 09 36 / comrp@theatrealacoque.fr

​

🎶 What is Mostra Igualada? Mostra Igualada is the premier performing arts fair for children and young audiences in Catalonia. Held annually in Igualada, just 60 km from Barcelona, it attracts around 30,000 spectators and over 1,000 industry professionals. With over 30 years of history, this vibrant event is a platform for showcasing the best in children’s and youth theatre, fostering collaboration, and promoting Catalan productions both locally and internationally.

🌟 Key PUPPET Highlights for 2025:

🎭 La Mestra by Anita Maravillas & Portal 71 (Basque Country)

A heart-warming tale about a teacher and her students who build a school in the forest, only to see their dreams shattered by war. A touching story about freedom and resilience.

• Date: April 3, 2025

• Time: 10:00 am & 3:30 pm

• Venue: L'Escorxador (Sala Lateral)

• Language: Catalan

• Age: 6+

• Price: 6€/10€

• More info | Book

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🌈 Soc una Ciclopeta by Pea Green Boat (Catalonia)

Follow Odeta, a visually impaired girl, as she escapes bullying through imagination and finds strength with the help of a kind cyclops. A powerful message on acceptance and self-discovery.

• Date: April 5, 2025

• Time: 10:00 am & 12:00 pm

• Venue: L'Escorxador (Sala Lateral)

• Language: Catalan

• Age: 3+

• Price: 6€/10€

• More info | Book

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⛈️ La Tempesta by Zero en Conducta (Catalonia)

A beautifully choreographed performance blending mime, puppetry, and physical theatre, telling the story of Pablito and his emotional journey through an internal storm.

• Date: April 5, 2025

• Time: 11:30 am & 5:30 pm

• Venue: L'Escorxador (Sala Gran)

• Language: Catalan (with English subtitles)

• Age: 6+

• Price: 6€/10€

• More info | Book

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🎶 Dues ales by Farrés Brothers i cia (Catalonia)

A poetic and emotional tale of two siblings who must confront their fears and find their own wings to fly.

• Date: April 5, 2025

• Time: 11:30 am & 4:00 pm

• Venue: Can Papasseit (Vilanova del Camí)

• Age: 6+

• More info | Book

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🎻 L'Àfrica by La Romancera Teatre (Catalonia)

A musical and puppetry adventure exploring the rich culture and traditions of Africa through the eyes of a young girl.

• Date: April 5, 2025

• Time: 4:00 pm & 5:30 pm

• Venue: L'Escorxador (Sala Lat
  More info | Book
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🎪 Matres by Campi Qui Pugui (Catalonia)

An imaginative and visually stunning show that reflects on motherhood and the powerful bond between parents and children.

• Date: April 6, 2025

• Time: 10:00 am & 3:30 pm

• Venue: Can Papasseit (Vilanova del Camí)

• Age: 6+

• More info | Book
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🔧 Sòmion, la ciutat dels oficis impossibles by El que ma queda de teatre (Catalonia)

A whimsical journey to a world where impossible professions come to life, inspiring creativity and wonder.

• Date: April 6, 2025

• Time: 10:00 am & 3:30 pm

• Venue: Teatre de l'Aurora

• Age: 4+

• More info | Book
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For the full programme of events click here

Don’t miss this magical celebration of creativity, storytelling, and imagination! 🎉

#MostraIgualada #PerformingArts #FamilyFun #Catalonia #PuppetryMagic

Puppetry is set to be a delightful part of Imagine Festival 2025, offering families the chance to enjoy creative storytelling at the Southbank Centre. While the festival features a wide range of performances and activities, these shows highlight the magic of puppetry for young audiences:

🎭 There’s a Bear on My Chair | 18-23 Feb | Queen Elizabeth Hall | Ages 2-7
Step into the charming world of Bear and Mouse in this new stage adaptation of Ross Collins’ beloved book. Directed by experienced puppeteer Toby Olié (War Horse, Spirited Away), this production features life-sized puppets and playful storytelling.
More info & tickets

🌿 When The World Turns | 20 & 23 Feb | Blue Room, Royal Festival Hall | For disabled children of all ages
Created by sensory theatre specialists Oily Cart, this interactive performance immerses audiences in a world of plants, music, and puppetry. Designed for children facing the most barriers to access, this inclusive show offers an engaging sensory experience.
More info & tickets

🎟 These performances offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the world of puppetry as part of the wider Imagine Festival 2025. Plan your visit and experience a variety of creative and engaging events at the Southbank Centre this February.

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Calling all puppet lovers, makers, and performers! Moving Parts Newcastle Puppetry Festival is back for its sixth edition, running from April 19th to 27th, 2025. This thrilling festival is bursting with jaw-dropping performances, hands-on workshops, engaging talks, and mesmerising outdoor theatre for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned puppeteer or just dipping your toes into the world of puppetry, this festival promises something extraordinary!

What’s in Store?

Spectacular Outdoor Performances – Free & Fabulous!

Kick off the festival in grand style with the unmissable Toon Underground Parade on April 19th! Over 100 local residents and artists will take to the streets, bringing a wild mix of burrowing woodland creatures, a slithering Metro train, and larger-than-life fantastical beasts to Newcastle. Throughout the day, the city will be buzzing with incredible street performances, including the time-traveling antics of Victorian Time Travellers, the epic battle of Jabberwocky!, and the towering wonder of Delilah the Elephant!

Unmissable Shows & Jaw-Dropping Premieres

Step into a world of imagination with a diverse line-up of spellbinding performances. Highlights include:

• 🎭 Panta Rhei II (UK Premiere) – A poetic and dreamlike fusion of puppetry and mask theatre.

• 🐜 A Million Tiny Ants – A whimsical, shadow-puppet adventure filled with quirky humour and live music.

• 🌟 Wonder Play – A vibrant mix of shadow puppetry and colourful animation, perfect for young audiences.

• 🌊 Flotsam & Jetsam – A heart-warming story of friendship, brought to life with stunning puppetry.

• 🎪 Moving Parts Puppet Cabaret – A delightfully unhinged night of surreal and side-splitting puppet antics for adults!

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Hands-On Workshops – Create, Learn & Unleash Your Imagination!

Ever wanted to build your own puppet or master the art of puppetry? Dive into expert-led workshops, including:

• 🦄 Beasts and Varmints – A 6-day intensive course with Judith Hope where you’ll bring your own mythical creature to life.

• 🌘 The Darker Side of Puppetry – Explore the eerie and avant-garde with Gavin Glover in this experimental masterclass.

• 🎭 Manipulating Marionettes – Discover the magic of string puppets with world-renowned puppeteer Stephen Mottram.

• 🏆 Puppet Olympics – Join the ultimate puppet-building showdown using recycled materials, then compete in wacky challenges!

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✨ Meet the Puppeteers – Up Close with the Masters!

This is your chance to get up close and personal with the genius minds behind the puppets! Join intimate Q&A sessions with some of the most innovative artists in puppetry:

• 🎙️ Chloe Rodham – Discover how she crafts mesmerizing worlds and characters in her intricate puppet designs.

• 🎭 William Steele – Learn the secrets of storytelling in puppetry and how to breathe life into inanimate objects.

• 🎭 t’Magisch Theatertje – Hear from the artists behind Panta Rhei II as they share insights into their surreal and poetic performances.

Don’t miss these rare opportunities to gain insider knowledge, ask burning questions, and be inspired by some of the best in the business!

Join the Fun!

With performances and workshops across venues like Northern Stage and Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle Puppetry Festival is set to be a must-visit event in 2025. Many outdoor performances and drop-in workshops are completely free, so bring your family, friends, and your curiosity!

Don’t miss this chance to experience the wonder of puppetry. Book your tickets, mark your calendars, and prepare to be enchanted!

For the full schedule and bookings, visit newcastlepuppetryfestival.co.uk or follow @MovingPartsArts on social media.

🎭 See you at the festival!

This year’s festival runs from February 12-16, bringing together an impressive line-up of artists, creators, and some seriously mind-blowing performances. From the traditional to the avant-garde, the festival offers something for everyone—from puppetry enthusiasts to the most chaotic of theatre lovers.

The Highlights (Spoiler: There’s No Puppetry in the Headline, But There Will Be Puppetry in Your Heart)

WEDNESDAY 12 FEBRUARY – Let’s Get Puppety

Start your festival adventure with the So You Think A Puppet Could Tell Your Story Better Than Yourself? workshop. Led by the wonderful Mamoru Iriguchi and Fergus Dunnett at Dance Base.

There's more! At Fruitmarket Warehouse, the labyrinthine Cartography performance promises to take you through an immersive maze of interactive encounters. And if you’re still hungry for more, check out Snapshots at The Studio at Festival Theatre — a night of scratch performances showcasing fresh works from artists across puppetry, circus, and dance.

THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY – Visionaries, Film Buffs, and Puppets Who Play Musical Chairs

Thursday kicks off with the Mapping Degrowth Futures , a FREE event at The Hub—it’s an interactive, “choose-your-own-adventure” style of mapping exercise about creating sustainable futures. This is your chance to get deeply philosophical while sketching out how to save the world through puppetry (maybe).

The evening then brings a double-whammy of exciting performances with The Law of Gravity at Traverse Theatre. Picture it: a fusion of puppetry and live music by Scottish Ensemble and Blind Summit, using Arnold Schoenberg’s Transfigured Night and Philip Glass’s Symphony No. 3 to help puppets figure out who’s the boss in a delicate dance of creativity.

And don’t miss These Things Aren’t Mine — a gripping exploration of PTSD through abstract circus art, featuring Gabbie Cook (previously known as a gymnast, now a circus artist). You’ll feel all sorts of things, but mostly awe.

FRIDAY 14 FEBRUARY – Let's Fall in Love with Puppets and Shorts (In That Order)

On Valentine’s Day, swap the chocolates for some hands-on action! If your partner’s more about cinematic love than romantic love, A Town Called Panic (an animated stop-motion film) might just be your perfect date. Plus, it was a Cannes Film Festival sensation, so it’s got major street cred.

For those who prefer their love to be a bit more, well, prophetic, check out When Prophecy Fails, a cutting-edge physical theatre performance based on cognitive dissonance. It’s heavy stuff, but the puppets make it adorable.

SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY – A Double Bill with Twice the Fun (and Puppets)

Saturday’s lineup is a delightful double feature. In the afternoon, join Anthony Schrag for ChaosPlay at Traverse Theatre. It’s a playful and interactive event that will get your creative juices flowing, and your inner puppeteer will thank you.

That evening, the Double Bill of Elke (a tribute to pioneering Trans woman Elke Mackenzie) and Ratkin (speculative puppetry of rodent-humanoids in a post-apocalyptic world) promises to deliver a rollercoaster of emotions, social commentary, and, of course, puppets. Don’t miss this chance to support the SURGE community and witness two incredible performances in one evening.

INTERNATIONAL SHORTS – From Love to Chaos and Everything in Between

The festival’s short film offerings are an absolute must-see, with thematic shorts like Queer Stories and On the Edge, bringing animated art from around the globe. Expect explorations of identity, the fragility of communities, and journeys through space and self-discovery—all in one sitting. If you’re someone who likes to watch world-class animation in your pajamas, we’ve got you covered with At Home online shorts as well!

GET YOUR TICKETS, QUICK!

#ManipulateArtsFestival – It’s puppetry, it’s weird, and it’s all about making art that speaks to the soul (or possibly just the puppet-wielding hand).

And there you have it! Manipulate Arts Festival is the event that promises to make you laugh, cry, and leave with at least a dozen new puppetry ideas to pitch at your next creative meeting.

The session included captivating contributions from:

• Louise Lapointe of the Festival de Casteliers.

• Luís Vieira and Rute Ribeiro of the FIMFA Lx – International Festival of Puppetry and Animated Forms.

• Eveline Gfeller of the Figura Theater Festival.

This gathering showcased exciting festival opportunities and practical resources for puppeteers, with plenty of inspiration to go around!

Louise Lapointe: Festival Directory and PASSPORT Programme

One of the standout moments was a fantastic presentation by Louise Lapointe, who introduced two invaluable resources:

The Directory of International Puppet Festivals

This comprehensive directory is a must-visit for anyone involved in puppetry.

👉 Is your festival missing from the list? Simply contact festivals@unima.org to have it added.

The PASSPORT Programme

Louise also discussed the PASSPORT Programme, an initiative designed to help young puppeteers and students attend international festivals.

💡 What’s Included?

• Free accommodation and festival tickets.

• A chance to gain hands-on experience with festival organisation.

🌟 How to Apply:

1. Complete the online application form.

2. Submit a confirmation letter from your school or UNIMA National Centre.

3. Apply at least 3 months before the festival date—spots fill up quickly!

⏰ Don’t delay—applications close 3 months before each festival!

2025 Festivals: Plan Ahead!

Here are some of the upcoming festivals offering PASSPORT opportunities:

January 2025

Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival | United States | January 15–26, 2025 [2 passports x 6 days] – The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.

March 2025

• FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE CASTELIERS | Canada | March 5–9, 2025 [1 passport x 5 days] – The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.

June 2025

• MATEŘINKA | Czech Republic | June 17–21, 2025 [1 passport x 5 days] – The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.
  https://www.naivnidivadlo.cz/

• FESTÍN DE LOS MUÑECOS, Festival Internacional de Títeres de Guadalajara | Mexico | June 2025 [dates to be announced] [1 passport x 5 days] – The PASSPORT for this festival is no longer available, because it has been awarded.

July 2025

• FIAMS – Festival international des arts de la marionnette à Saguenay, Canada: 22–27 July 2025.

October 2025

• Festival de Títeres y Objetos Animados MUNDO TÍTERE FEST, Argentina: 1 October 2025. [1 passport x 5 days]

For more festivals and the latest updates, head to the UNIMA International Festivals page.

Festival Highlights from 2024

The event also featured exciting updates from these renowned festivals:

Festival de Casteliers.
📹 Watch the highlights from 2024:

FIMFA Lx – International Festival of Puppetry and Animated Forms

Luís Vieira and Rute Ribeiro shared the magic of FIMFA with a look back at their 2024 festival.
📹 Watch the highlights:

Figura Theater Festival

Eveline Gfeller shared a glimpse into the innovative performances and creative showcases at the Figura Theater Festival 2024.

If you’re not already a BrUNIMA member, now’s the time to join to ensure you don’t miss out on future events like this.

Hey fellow puppet lovers!

If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for new places to experience the magic of puppetry – the thrill of seeing those characters come to life on stage, the intricacies of masterful puppetry, and the joy of watching those puppets tell their stories. Well, I’ve got something super exciting to share – the Smethwick Puppetry Festival 2025! And let me tell you, this one is shaping up to be absolutely unmissable.

Taking place during the February half-term (15th–23rd, 2025), this festival is a celebration of all things puppetry. It’s the perfect event for those of us who can’t get enough of puppets – whether you’re into viewing performances, making your own creations, or just generally basking in the glorious puppet magic. Best part? The festival is held at 10 amazing community venues in Smethwick, and it’s pay what you can – which means it’s accessible to everyone. 🙌

But what can you expect? Let me take you through some of the exciting highlights that will have you scrambling to grab your tickets once they go live in January!

Opening Celebration – Join the Fun!

Saturday 15th February 2025 | 6:30pm
Venue: Thimblemill Library
Admission: FREE!

Meet some of the incredible puppeteers behind the magic! Featuring Sarah Vigars from Flying With Strings, Marc Parrett of The Object Project and Grandly Strange Puppet Theatre, and local legend Lori Hopkins. They'll be talking about their puppet-making journeys, answering your questions, and then share a sneak peek at the fantastic automata exhibition at Thimblemill Library. You don’t want to miss this celebration of all things puppetry.

Performances

🦜 Flying With Strings
By Sarah Vigars
Saturday 15th February 2025 | 3pm & 4pm (30 minutes)
Venue: Bear Bookshop
Admission: Pay What You Can | Age 1+

It’s a bird, it’s a plane... No, it’s Flying with Strings! Puppeteer Sarah Vigars teams up with musician Louis Bingham for a delightful show that combines intricate marionette puppetry and live music. Prepare to be swooped away into the magical world of birds – from swallows to hoopoes, and a bee-eater or two! Get ready for some feathered fun.
More info and Booking

Suitcase Stories - The Little Toy
By Freda O'Byrne, presented by Tragic Carpet
Saturday 15th February 2025 | 2pm (30 minutes)
Venue: Smethwick Heritage Centre
Admission: Pay What You Can | Age 3-5

What happens when Little Toy gets left behind on a beach? Well, a butterfly swoops in to help him, but not before a sea monster gets involved! This adorable show is a treat for little ones, exploring friendship, adventure, and the magic of imagination.
More info and Booking

🦜 Flying With Strings
By Sarah Vigars
Sunday 16th February 2025 | 11am (30 mins show + 45 mins workshop)
Venue: Smethwick Library
Admission: Pay What You Can | Age 1+

This show gets a double whammy on Sunday with both a marionette performance and a fun puppet-making workshop. Learn about birds, puppets, and how to bring a character to life with Sarah Vigars’ guidance.
More info and Booking

Beached
By Strangeface
Sunday 16th February 2025 | 11am-12pm / 1-2pm / 3-4pm (15 mins)
Venue: West Smethwick Park Pavilion
Admission: Pay What You Can | Age 2+

A puppet, a table, and a big adventure... what more could you ask for? Join Arnold on a quirky journey to the beach that turns into a wild and funny monster-filled escapade. It’s a quick but heart-warming 15-minute treat for the whole family!

More info and Booking

The Giant Who Slept For 10,000 Years
By Bori Mezo
Monday 17th February 2025 | 3pm (30 minutes)
Venue: St Hilda’s Church
Admission: Pay What You Can | Age 3+

A giant is about to wake up from a 10,000-year nap! This is a storytelling puppet show like no other, featuring a sea troll, an earthquake, and an epic adventure through time. A perfect blend of wonder and whimsy for all ages!

More info and Booking

Anansi and the Lost Sun
By Swallow’s Wings Puppetry
Tuesday 18th February 2025 | 2pm (50 minutes)
Venue: Smethwick Library
Admission: Pay What You Can | Age 4+

Anansi the Spider is on a mission to bring back the sun in this funny and inspiring West African tale. Full of puppetry and traditional music, it's a great way to introduce little ones to the wonders of multicultural folklore!

More info and Booking

Nutcracker in Spring
By Lori Hopkins
Wednesday 19th February 2025
Location: Lightwoods House
A fresh new interpretation of the classic tale, Nutcracker in Spring brings the beloved festive story into the warmth of springtime. Follow Clara as she receives a quirky nutcracker from her odd relative, which magically transforms into a Prince. This delightful show features ballet-dancing puppets, a sinister Mouse King, and a magical journey full of surprises. Perfect for families to enjoy together!
More info and Booking

The Tale of Nobody Nose
By Goofus Theatre
Thursday 20th February 2025
Location: Brushstrokes Community Project
Join three clowns—Boz, Yolo, and Flo—on a whimsical journey to find a red nose in this delightful, wordless show. Traveling across land, sea, and skies, these clowns embark on an epic adventure filled with magic, snowball fights, and heart-warming moments. This accessible, fun-filled production celebrates the joy of puppetry and will have audiences of all ages laughing and rediscovering their childlike wonder.
More info and Booking

The Stuff of Life
By The Object Project
Friday 21st February 2025
Location: Thimblemill Library
A hilarious yet existential exploration of life’s daily struggles, The Stuff of Life tells the story of loving, living, and dying through the perspective of household objects. This darkly comedic show from The Object Project will leave you laughing, reflecting, and perhaps questioning the very fabric of existence, all through the antics of beleaguered kitchen paraphernalia.
More info and Booking

tiny clown's BIG adventure
By Grandly Strange Puppet Theatre
Saturday 22nd February 2025
Location: Dorothy Parkes Centre
Join tiny clown on an adventure that takes them straight into the pages of a book! This quirky, fun-filled show is about discovery, imagination, and a little bit of mischief. Featuring the best monster made out of a lampshade, plus some Jabberwock poo, this performance is perfect for younger audiences who love a good dose of silliness and absurdity.

More info and Booking

🎨 Workshops Galore: Create Your Own Puppet!

Okay, so we all love to watch puppets in action, but what about making our own? The Smethwick Puppetry Festival also offers a bunch of hands-on workshops for all ages and skill levels! Whether you’re a seasoned puppet maker or a complete newbie, there’s something for everyone:

• Fish Puppet Making with Lori Hopkins

• Toy Puppet Theatre Making with Hopeful Monster Theatre

• And many more!

Workshops are also pay what you can, so you can join in the fun and learn to make your own puppet creations without worrying about the cost. Whether you want to make a simple cardboard puppet or something more elaborate, these workshops are a great way to get creative and immerse yourself in the art of puppetry.
More info and Booking

Why You Need to Go!

With an exciting variety of puppet performances, interactive workshops, and community vibes, it’s a perfect way to dive deeper into the world of puppetry.

The fact that it’s held in community spaces means it’s a more intimate, personal way to connect with puppeteers and fellow lovers of the craft. And with the “pay what you can” model, it’s incredibly accessible, meaning more people can join in the magic.

Mark your calendars, grab your tickets when they’re available in January, and get ready for a festival that celebrates the artistry, whimsy, and joy that puppetry brings to our lives.

For full details on events, venues, and booking information, make sure to check out the official Smethwick Puppetry Festival website.

Here’s a cheeky peek at some of the incredible performances and workshops:

🌟 Festival Highlights

• La Manékine (France) by lapendue

  A Brothers Grimm fairy tale brought to life with puppetry and a one-man orchestra.
  📍 Barbican, The Pit | 14–18 Jan
  👀 Think dark forests, devils, and love conquering all.
  More info and booking

• Not A Word (Ireland) from Bru Theatre
  A silent, poignant tribute to Irish emigrants.
  📍 Barbican, The Pit | 21–25 Jan
  🎻 Mask, music, and movement create magic in this powerful ode.
  More info and booking
  

• Moby Dick (Norway/France) from plexuspolaire
  A whale of a tale with puppets, video projection, and stunning visuals.
  📍 Barbican Theatre | 22–25 Jan
  🐋 Epic storytelling meets cutting-edge stagecraft.
  More info and booking

• The Rite of Spring (Italy)
  Dance-theatre with raw energy and Stravinsky’s classic score.
  📍 Southbank Centre | 23–25 Jan
  🔥 Expect primal passion and a sprinkle of talcum powder.
  

• Frau Trapp - Five Lines
  📍 Barbican, The Pit: Tue 28 Jan – Sat 1 Feb
  Enter a future shaped by greed and scarcity. This micro cinema-theatre performance dives deep into human nature through the lens of a relationship. Heartbreaking, hopeful, and utterly unique.
  More info and Booking

• Cie Focus & Chaliwaté - Dimanche
  📍 Sadler’s Wells Peacock Theatre: Wed 29 Jan – Sat 1 Feb
  A family hilariously ignores the chaos of climate collapse while Arctic wildlife reporters document the end. Expect puppetry, lo-fi effects, and biting wit.
  More info Booking

• Heka (UK)
  Mesmerising juggling meets choreography and illusion.
  📍 The Place | 30 Jan–1 Feb
  🌀 Magic, movement, and mind-bending artistry await.

✨ Workshops Worth Your While

Fancy getting hands-on? MIME London’s workshops will level up your skills or kickstart a new passion. Here are a few gems:

• Micro-Cinema Theatre with Gavin Glover (11–12 Jan)
  Explore the world of live camera and projector magic.

• Devising Physical Theatre with Gecko Theatre (18–19 Jan)
  Learn to craft dynamic, visceral stories through movement.

• Revealing The Mask with Vamos Theatre (1–2 Feb)
  Dive into full-mask performance and discover the art of silent storytelling.
  More info and booking

🎥 Don’t Miss This Online Exclusive

• The Last Show (15 Jan at 7 PM)
  Watch the free YouTube premiere of this award-winning documentary celebrating the London International Mime Festival’s legacy. The directors will even join for a live Q&A!

So, what are you waiting for? Check out the full line-up and grab your tickets before they’re gone! Head to the MIME London website for all the juicy details and booking info.

👉 Visit mimelondon.com

Are you a puppeteer, visual theatre-maker, or outdoor arts performer planning a 2026 tour? This curated guide covers a wide range of UK and European festivals—many of which include puppetry, visual performance, and cross-disciplinary outdoor work.

🗓 Most 2026 dates are TBC. Always check directly with organisers for the latest info. Application windows often open 6–12 months in advance.

View the Puppet Fest Map

Spring & Early Summer Festivals

• Manipulate Festival – Edinburgh, UK
  Feb 2026 (TBC)
  Visual theatre, puppetry, animation, and bold international work.

• Smethwick Puppet Festival – Smethwick, UK
  Feb 2026 Applications are now open
  A grassroots community festival with a strong local following.

• Newcastle Puppetry Festival – Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
  4–12 April 2026 (TBC)
  One of the UK’s largest puppetry festivals. 2026 applications closed May 2025.

• Saint Brieuc Puppet Festival – Saint Brieuc, France
  May 2026 (TBC)

• FORMA Festival – Nice, France
  May 2026 (TBC)

• Salisbury International Arts Festival – Salisbury, UK
  May–June 2026 (TBC)

Summer Festivals

• Little Angel Theatre Puppet Festival – London, UK
  28th July – 3rd August 2025

• Beverley Puppet Festival – Beverley, UK
  July 2026 (TBC)

• Glastonbury Festival – Theatre & Circus – Somerset, UK
  25–29 June 2025

• Winchester Hat Fair – Winchester, UK
  Saturday 5 July 2025

• Festival of the Sea – Grimsby, UK
  21 June 2025

• Whirligig Festival – Super Culture – Weston-super-Mare, UK
  7–8 June 2025

• Creative Playground – Crawley, UK
  7 June 2025

• Basingstoke Festival – Basingstoke, UK
  20 June – 6 July 2025

• Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure – Redbridge, London
  21–22 June 2025

• Manchester International Festival (MIF) – Manchester, UK
  3–20 July 2025

• Crewe Day Festival – Crewe, UK
  4–6 July 2025

• Frome Festival – Frome, Somerset, UK
  4–13 July 2025

• WILD on the Beach – Watergate Bay, UK
  5–6 July 2025

• Festival Oldham – Oldham, UK
  5 July 2025

• Flux Rotherham – Rotherham, UK
  5 July 2025

• An Indian Summer – Inspirate – Leicester, UK
  5–6 July 2025

• Certain Blacks / Ensemble Festival – London, UK
  26–27 July 2025

• Merchant City Festival – Glasgow, UK
  18–20 July 2025

• IF: Milton Keynes International Festival – Milton Keynes, UK
  18–27 July 2025

• Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) – Stockton-on-Tees, UK
  1–3 August 2025

• Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF) – London, UK
  23 Aug – 8 Sept 2025

• Birmingham Weekender – Birmingham, UK
  23–25 August 2025 (2026 TBC)

• Out of the Ordinary Festival – Cambridge, UK
  23–24 August 2025 (2026 TBC)

September Festivals

• First Art – East Midlands, UK
  6 September 2025 (2026 TBC)

• Encounter Festival – Preston, UK
  20–21 September 2025 (2026 TBC)

• Arts by the Sea – Bournemouth, UK
  26–28 September 2025 (2026 TBC)

• Ards Puppet Festival
  Sunday 26 and Monday 27 October 2025!

Autumn Puppetry-Specific Festivals

• Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival – Tunbridge Wells, UK
  October 2026 (TBC)

• Ards Puppet Festival – Newtownards, Northern Ireland
  October 2026 (TBC)

💡 Bonus: Without Walls

Many of the festivals above are part of the Without Walls network—excellent for outdoor and site-specific artists. Explore their commissioning and touring opportunities.

📌 Tips for Artists

• Track deadlines: many open between 6–12 months in advance

• Prepare your application assets: video, tech rider, short description, and press images

• Contact programmers directly if your work is a good match

• 13 - 28 MAY 2025 BIAM12e Biennale internationale des arts de la marionnette

• May 12 to 17 - in Saint Brieuc, Puppet Festival

• May 13 to 17 - in Nice, FORMA - Festival of Rare Moving Objects

Little Angel Theatre Puppet Festival – 28th July – 3rd August

If you’re looking for a magical day out with the family, Little Angel Theatre’s Puppet Festival is where the fun happens! This OFFIE Award-winning festival showcases puppetry like you’ve never seen before. With performances from some of the most exciting UK and international puppetry companies, the festival offers a jam-packed programme full of family-friendly workshops and fun events. You’ll even get the chance to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at puppetry yourself! Whether you’re young or just young at heart, this festival is perfect for sparking your imagination and getting creative.

• Website: littleangeltheatre.com

Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival – October 2025 (Dates TBC)

Nestled in the stunning Georgian spa town of Tunbridge Wells, this professionally curated, accessible, and sustainable festival promises a celebration of puppetry like no other. Bringing together top-notch performances from the UK and beyond, Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival is all about inspiring and engaging the community. Through performances, workshops, and public events, the festival showcases puppetry in all its forms while creating a sense of empathy and wonder. Whether you’re an art lover, a puppetry enthusiast, or just curious about creative expression, this festival will transform Tunbridge Wells into a stage full of possibilities.

• Website: twpuppetryfestival.org

Ards Puppet Festival 2025: A Fun-Filled Family Celebration – October 2025 (Dates TBC)

The Ards Puppet Festival is set to return to Newtownards, Belfast, in October 2025 for another exciting weekend of puppetry magic. While dates are yet to be confirmed, it’s usually held around late October, and this year promises to be just as enchanting as ever.

Location: Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards
Dates: October 2025 (Dates TBC)
Website: More info and programme details

Beverley Puppet Festival – July 2026 (Dates TBC)

Prepare to be transported to another world at the Beverley Puppet Festival, where magic happens through the art of puppetry. Since 2005, this festival has been delighting audiences with performances that mix various artistic disciplines, making it an experience for all ages. It’s a festival that brings out the child in adults and the adult in children—sparking creativity, imagination, and out-of-the-box thinking. If you love puppets and want to immerse yourself in a vibrant cultural event, Beverley is the place to be.

• Website: beverleypuppetfestival.com

London International Mime Festival (LIMF) – 11th January – 1st February 2025

The countdown is on for the 47th and final edition of the London International Mime Festival. Known as the UK’s longest-running international festival of contemporary visual theatre, LIMF has been treating audiences to a feast of wordless wonders for decades. From circus-theatre to mime, puppetry, and physical theatre, this festival brings together the best performances from across the world. Spread across iconic London venues such as the Tate Modern and Barbican, LIMF is the place to see breathtaking, boundary-pushing performances that speak without words.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic final edition!

• Website: mimelondon.com

Manipulate Festival – 12th – 13th February 2025

For those who love a mix of art forms, Manipulate Festival in Edinburgh is a must-visit! This annual festival celebrates animated film, puppetry, and visual theatre, bringing together an exciting programme of international and Scottish performances. Expect the unexpected with boundary-pushing shows and screenings that will leave you in awe. Plus, it’s an incredible space for creative exchange—perfect for artists and audiences alike to explore fresh ideas and network. If you’re a fan of innovative theatre, Manipulate is where you need to be.

• Website: manipulatearts.co.uk/festival

Smethwick Puppet Festival – 15th – 23rd February 2025

The Smethwick Puppet Festival is back for 2025, and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever! This community-driven festival is packed with puppet performances, workshops, exhibitions, and so much more. With events taking place across 10 community venues in Smethwick, there's something for everyone. What makes this festival even more special is that all events are "pay what you can"—meaning you choose your ticket price! Whether you’re a puppet enthusiast or new to the world of puppetry, this is one festival that will leave you enchanted.

• Website

Newcastle Puppetry Festival – 19th – 27th April 2025

Calling all puppetry lovers in the North! The Newcastle Puppetry Festival is bringing a fantastic mix of theatre, workshops, and outdoor arts to the North East. With an international programme featuring UK premieres and professional training, it’s the perfect opportunity to dive deep into the world of puppetry. Whether you’re a family looking for a fun day out or an artist keen on honing your skills, this festival has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a week of creativity and fun in Newcastle!

• Website: movingpartsarts.com/festival

Ready to See Some Puppets?

Whether you’re in London, Edinburgh, Smethwick, Newcastle, or Beverley, there’s a festival just waiting to entertain and inspire you. These puppetry celebrations aren’t just for kids—they’re for anyone who loves creativity, storytelling, and a little bit of magic. So mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the world of puppets and visual theatre. See you at the festival! 🎭✨